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The depth of talent in the Blues region was underlined yesterday when the Super 14 franchise largely ignored the draft as it shrugged off an exodus of senior players.
Halfback was the one area where coach David Nucifora opted to recruit a cagey veteran from outside the franchise boundaries, with Hawkes Bay captain Danny Lee brought in to provide an experienced alternative to four-cap Super 14 rookie Taniela Moa.
Nucifora also plumped for Lee's highly rated 23-year-old teammate Bryn Evans at lock ahead of Jay Williams but otherwise chose to promote from within.
"I don't think there are too many sides around that could do that if they'd lost the numbers we lost," Nucifora said.
"The work that has been done in previous years has allowed us to not have to bring in too many guys fresh to the group."
A core of vastly experienced players would ensure a smooth transition into a new era, he said.
Centre Jamie Helleur is the closest thing to a bolter in the squad after injury ended his national championship season just minutes in the first match against Counties Manukau.
Hooker Tom McCartney, utility back Benson Stanley and Northland prop Bronson Murray have been included for the first time, while lock Kurtis Haiu has been recalled after missing out last year.
Williams and utility back Lachie Munro were the standout omissions.
"Jay is unlucky," Nucifora said.
"He did have a pretty good season with Auckland but I don't think you can overlook that Bryn was one of the standout players for Hawkes Bay, who were very successful as well.
"There is a widening gap every year between the Air New Zealand Cup and Super 14, and what the requirements are. Jay is not the size of a Bryn Evans. Bryn is a big man. He has eight or 10 kilos on Jay.
"In Super 14, playing the South African teams, it is a place for big, strong men. Jay's time will come."
Nucifora also resisted the temptation to blood Grayson Hart, who made a decent fist of his promotion to the Auckland team this season after the injury-enforced retirement of Steve Devine.
The much-travelled Lee was an obvious pick to complement the physically impressive Moa after the loss of both Devine and David Gibson.
"Experience is all important and we are lucky that a guy like Danny was available," Nucifora said.
"To have two rookie [halfbacks] would be a big ask. We are very fortunate that we have got Danny's experience to complement Taniela's youth and exuberance. They have a different way of playing as well, which I think is important."
With key recruit Nick Evans expected to provide direction and an improved tactical kicking game, Nucifora said he was happy with the balance of his squad.
Robbie Deans' withdrawal from contention for the Wallabies coaching job will have shortened the odds on Nucifora being offered the post.
He confirmed he was on the shortlist but insisted that would not interfere with the Blues' season.
He said ARU chairman John O'Neill had stated that the successful applicant would be allowed to complete his Super 14 commitments
